Thursday, August 30, 2018

But first, before the oh-so-monumental episode in which like every other 40-year-old-woman before her, Kate turns 40, TLC shows a whopping three-hour recap of the entire last ten years of the show, narrated by a male voice. Three hours! I watched the whole thing for the recap, and not ten seconds of this massive beast was at all meaningful or necessary. The narrator sounds like maybe that Extreme Couponing guy. I keep waiting for him to announce, "Kate's amassed a four-walled, floor to ceiling stockpile worth over $30,000 dollars!"

Turns out this truly is a look-back, with absolutely nothing new, not even a new couch interview from Kate, which I guess we should be grateful for. All her yammering on explaining away and re-writing history during clip shows gets really old. Just like Kate, old! Of course a lot of the old clips they show I didn’t really much remember it's been so long, so I’ll just highlight a few that stood out, especially knowing what we know now.

Collin was one of the last babies to go home from the hospital, along with Joel. This is significant to me for two reasons. One is that he and Joel had the toughest time getting going when they were premies, which can be a risk factor a child will develop special needs. The other is that Collin certainly lost out on crucial bonding time with his parents the other children were getting, which can also be a risk factor for special needs. As it is, by virtue of there being six babies I think they were all at risk for not getting enough bonding time with their parents even if their parents were perfect. Interestingly enough, Kate describes Collin as laid back, and the biggest child. I always saw him as generally laid back anytime we've seen him on film, so the idea ole Kate here couldn't handle him in the family home was always hard to believe.

Kate's terrible makeup job back in the day, yeesh. That blush makes her look like a domestic violence victim. She often doesn't even have it placed on her cheeks evenly, channeling Tom Hanks from toward the end of Philadelphia.

The mind games Kate played with toddlers surely has to have affected them later. For instance, allowing them to take a piece of chocolate from a park worker, then immediately turning around and forcing them to give the chocolate to her, Kate, to be eaten later because it will melt. A toddler doesn't understand that! That's way too complicated for them! Give me back the chocolate now for safe keeping to eat later because it will melt in your hand now? That's like Harvard for a toddler. If you must do this take-back to such a young child, don't give them the chocolate in the first place, take it directly from the worker yourself for safe keeping for later. At least then the chocolate won't have to be taken from the toddler after they actually got to hold it for a moment. Naturally a few of the toddlers end up hysterical over this. Sigh, these little ones know it's no guarantee they're seeing that treat ever again.

It's nice that Jon is shown a lot during the old clips, as he was as involved with these kids as Kate and arguably much more involved. There is a sweet moment where he teases Cara after her cooking class, warmly placing his hand on her shoulder and telling her, "You didn't save me some cake? What kind of chef are you?" Cara looks up at him with such a loving little grin. These kids adored their dad and he them, and Kate sabotaged that special relationship, and that's a fact.

Kate's trip to I think Wyoming with the three boys is the only time in the history of the show I can remember her doing something with just the three boys. If someone can remember any other time I'd love to know. It's embarrassing and pathetic that horse trainers have to give her lengthy and specific instructions to please not scream on or around the horses as it freaks them out. Kate laughs this all off of course, which makes me mad. A close family friend of ours was killed in 2004 when a horse got spooked for unknown reasons and kicked her neck (she was bending down to clean its hoof). It's not funny, Kate. Horses are gentle animals but huge and skittish, which means many people have been hurt or killed by horses who, though they weren't trying to hurt anyone, got freaked out over something and accidentally did so. Interestingly enough, there was a successful campaign from many folks to plead with the barn to not put the horse down over my friend's death, and they didn't. Us family and friends generally supported that decision and still do. He wasn't trying to hurt her and she wouldn't have wanted him killed over this. To top this all off Kate whizzes around on an ATV without a helmet. Kate's just an idiot and very, very oblivious.

Now here's some really interesting insight into how Kate handled a child who has special needs. She remarks that Collin, and Hannah, like to play by themselves. How interesting that the two independent (and perhaps more free-thinking) children are the first two to leave Kate. She then laughs as she remarks that she doesn't understand when the children complain they have no one to play with. A sibling is a wonderful and special relationship but the children are craving friendships and other social interaction with peers outside the family. She doesn't get it, but it's actually not good enough to simply stick a sibling in front of a kid and tell them to go play and expect that to meet all their social needs. These kind of complaints from the kids suggest they in fact were not getting enough social interaction outside the family unit and were craving more of it. It suggests Kate was lazy about their social development, and ignorant, and again, this can contribute to a child developing special needs.

The boys swim trunks are at least three sizes too large while the girls' suits fit them perfectly. Not only do they look ridiculous and pathetic, but cheaping out on swim clothes can be dangerous. All that extra fabric can make it harder for the child to float and swim. Get them trunks that fit for god sakes, you cow.

Don't you just want to strangle Kate and her terrible command of the English language? Why is it "ironic" that the show arranged for a trip to Alaska and Alaska is on their wish list of places to go? That's not what irony means! Irony does not mean a coincidence!

I've since been to Australia myself in 2015, including the Australia Zoo, and so seeing the footage now of the Gosselin trip there I have a pretty neat context for everything. What really stood out to me was the family's trip occurred during a persistent drizzle. Having been there I know that zoo is so exposed, with long, long open walks between exhibits. That's good, that means the animals are given lots of space in their enclosures. But it sure sounds like a miserable trip in the rain. I don't like zoos in general, but for what it was I found the whole thing to be clean, laid out well, and very appealing. Here's a photo I took of one of the kangaroos in the enclosure. They really do let you get right up close and pet and feed them just like Steve Irwin did.

And here's the incredible, gorgeous beach we stayed at near the zoo called Dicky Beach. That's an old shipwreck that was there that they've since removed and placed in a museum. When people ask was Australia worth it, I tell them well it's a nice place but it's an awful lot of money for an American to spend to go so far to see some exotic animals in their natural habitat. I was working there, so I was very, very fortunate to have my expenses covered. But, I will say if you like beaches, go. The beaches are just fantastic, as you can see. I don't think the Gosselin episode in Australia really captured the beauty whatsoever that I saw on that continent.

My God, I forgot this comment from the Mother's Day episode but Kate says she always is asking herself why she was "chosen" to have twins and sextuplets. LMAO, she's coo-coo! She's not an Israelite wandering in the desert. She went to a fertility doctor and got too many eggs implanted and they almost all fertilized. No "choosing" involved other than her own very questionable choices when it comes to her own reproduction. What is wrong with this woman? Also I don't believe a doctor told her she would never have kids. I think she's Kate being dramatic. That is an extremely rare thing to say to a woman nowadays, especially a woman only in her 20's. Basically you're only told that if you have no uterus. The technology is so good now and has been for awhile that statistics show most woman have a very, very high likelihood of having a biological child if they want to, though you may need fertility treatments.

And that wraps up the long and pointless recap show. Good news is, Kate has been getting even older as we suffered through this. Now onto the big 4-0!

Coming up, the family is going to Mexico for Kate's 40th. I predict a lot of offensive Mexican stereotypes ahead. Mady says Kate is constantly talking about how she's 40 now and it gets annoying. Mady's right, Kate fixates. Whatever it is on her little pea brain at the moment, it's all she wants to talk about. Whether it's her divorce, or dating, or organic food, or running, or turning 40, she goes through these cycles where there's nothing else playing but that one track. It's annoying enough when you're just watching her yammering on TV or social media, it must be hell to live with.

Deanna and Andrea are over at the house putting up badly clashing decorations. Haven't seen those two young ladies in awhile have we?! Do Deanna and Andrea not understand how to twist two steamers together? It looks like a first grader did this job, it's terrible. Maybe they don't care.

Kate was "invited" by Generations resorts in Mexico to spend three days and nights there and she "jumped at the chance." Ha, I bet that heifer did. The days of a resort offering her a free stay are probably long gone now, but it's true that many resorts do do this for celebrities. It's worth it to them to get some paparazzi photos taken at their resort and develop a reputation for hosting celebs, almost free publicity. They even would put offers like these in Oscar gift bags. You have to pay the taxes on the stay and figure out how to get yourself there, but Kate could probably swing it so production covers that. In fact I'm wondering if this offer wasn't really exclusive to her at all but just something found in a swag bag she picked up somewhere. The most shocking thing I discovered working for a celeb is that the richer you are, the more freebies you get. It can get to the point where half your expenses are freebies or heavily discounted. At the time, iPods were the big freebie thing, and celeb had amassed about six of them in the span of as many months. It was insane, especially for someone like me from a little town back east who at the time had never even known someone who had an iPod much less so many you couldn't even hold them all at once.

In any case, bring on the Mexican stereotypes! They have a bunch of plastic sombreros out everywhere and they're setting the table with a Mexican theme which I guess in Kate's head means sombreros and lots of clashing bright colors. Right on the money.

Kate tells the kids this is a send-off party for she and Deanna to go to Mexico alone. So, you tell little kids you're going to leave them again with sitters for days on end while you go off and have all the fun in another country, and this is funny? There really is something wrong with this woman. Sure enough, Hannah is downright mad Kate won't be there when she wakes up for school, and Leah bursts into tears! My god, will Kate end the prank already now that children are sobbing? (She won't. She blows this off as the kids just being dramatic teenagers. Right, a kid who would prefer their mom be around for their lives in dramatic. Flipping tool.) What is her obsession with tricking or surprising the kids about trips? Why not just tell them from the beginning they're going and give them some time to build up some fun excitement about it? She prefers sobs and anger to tickled as pink kids who are thrilled for weeks on end leading up to the trip? Again, something is wrong with her. It's no surprise a kid like Hannah realized she prefers to live with Jon. Eventually you get tired of the emotional manipulation.

We have talked a ton on this blog about Kate's mental state and the terribly nasty things she does to others, including her own children. As Concerned Aussie just posted recently, "She's never seemed to have any foresight in her relentless pursuit of revenge and the limelight and her mental deterioration has been evident over the last few seasons. Now though, I think it's clear she really is evil, an it's getting harder for her to hide it."
All I would say to that is it's clear she was evil a long time ago and this little prank she played on her own children proves it.

Leah lets slip on the couch that Kate is never around and here she is about to take off again, and I'm sure that's just about true around this time period. This was Kate's heyday when she really was traveling the country, spending a heck of a lot of time in New York getting her hair and nails done, and going off to L.A. for whatever and all that nonsense. It is obviously totally believable to the kids she would take off on them again to another country in the middle of the school year, and that speaks volumes. Kate deserves that comment slipping from Leah. Had she never played this cruel prank on the poor kids, Leah never would have let slip her mother is not around. Bam.

It doesn't surprise me someone like Kate is solely focused on the fact that she is now 40 and single instead of in her 30's and single, because she's one of those insecure and old-fashioned women who still thinks a woman's self worth is defined by her relationship. I haven't heard her say a single positive thing about this milestone birthday, what a drag she is to listen to. Mady says she needs to shut up and this is all about Kate knowing darn well she doesn't look 40 but loving to tell everyone she is 40 for that very reason, and no truer words were said. Mady's got her pegged. Kate's one of those women who gets herself all skinny and toned and dolled out in a beautiful outfit for some fun event and then tells everyone she is fat and ugly and waits for the compliments to flow. Yep. I kind of think Kate does actually look all of 40, she looks exactly her age, but that's not the point. The point is that Mady is right, Kate doesn't think she looks 40 and loves to show this off.

Kate gradually seems to realize this prank is not funny, especially after some of the kids have stormed off to their rooms to sob. Um, so anyone else could have understood this was a bad idea before she ever even started. Why didn't Deanna tell her this was a bad idea, or Andrea? Are they this much in Kate's back pocket? So Kate tells them the truth and the kids are happy but the emotional damage is done.

Lol, the terribly strung streamers in the back as Kate lies and said it was never a thought in her mind to not bring the kids on this her second trip to Mexico. Right, just like the first time she went to Mexico in 2010 with Steve for "work" and didn't bring the kids.

I'm really realizing now how terrible Kate is as describing things, which probably plays a huge role in why she's never really made it on any kind of spin-off like a cooking show where you really do have to be able to speak. The extent of her description of the outright gorgeous Mexican resort right on the sparkling clear aqua water is, wait for it.... "oh my gosh." I'm not kidding.

It looks like they're heading straight from the airport shuttle to go snorkel with turtles. That's an amazing activity, but did they at least get a nap and some food or anything first? This can't have been an easy travel day.

Deanna, who is only slightly better at describing things than Kate, says they saw a beautiful corral reef. Wait, what? Why didn't they show that on film? I only saw a few turtles. Stupid.

The kids hit up a marketplace that is all just touristy junk, which unfortunately, is on every corner in Mexico. You have to go pretty far off the beaten path to get yourself some really great authentic finds, and that's not advisable for Americans to really do right now. Oh, this is a shopping trip for Kate's birthday present? I thought this was for the kids. Figures. At only 200 pesos each to spend, some of the kids are struggling to buy what they really want for Kate. Poor Collin looks really bummed he can't afford the 550 pesos bear figurine he wants to get. Has it occurred to the kids if they pooled their money they could get Kate something really fantastic? Apparently not. Maybe Deanna or Andrea could help them by suggesting this? Don't hold your breath. The twins finally figure it out and pool their money with one of the younger girls.

Also, if something is listed for 550 pesos and you're willing to chop off a whopping 350 pesos from the sticker price (about 18 bucks), doesn't that suggest this is all really just junk meant to bilk tourists for whatever money they have in their pocket? Sigh. I'm glad to see the kids happy to shop, but I wish someone was teaching them how to be more discerning while traveling, find the good stuff, the gems, and avoid cheap-o tourist traps like these on vacations.

The Mayan ruins wouldn't let them film for reasons nobody explains. Well boo-hoo! I take great joy in this for some reason. Screw this show and their entitlement thinking they can just go wherever and film whatever they like. They have to film this excursion on their iphones, which really seems like breaking the rules if they intend to use the iphone footage on their show anyway, which they do. Can Mexico sue?

Is this all still the same day, their first day off their flight? I'm not familiar with this place. Is the market, sea turtles and Mayan ruins all in the same vicinity? This trip looks just exhausting so far.

The next day it's Mud Buggy driving on ATVs. Looks just awesome, and just expensive. You can predict Kate doesn't enjoy any of this at all and complains the whole way. If Deanna is slightly more descriptive than Kate, the kids are slightly more descriptive than Deanna: It was a dirt road, and muddy.

Andrea is an awesome nanny. She is having fun, engaging the kids, and driving through the biggest puddles. It's criminal she doesn't seem to be around anymore. Now that's what a nanny should be: fun, funny, adventurous, encouraging. See Tiggy Legge-Burke, the patron saint of modern nannies. The little princes put on their wellies and grabbed their fishing rods under her watch, spending countless hours along the river at the nanny's home in Wales. No doubt she played a huge role in how well-adjusted they turned out after the tragedy of their mother's death and their unusual upbringing. Tiggy didn't much approve of things like movies and tennis, she thought the boys were better off doing something that would make them muddy, and she was right. She had moved on before Diana's death clearly in part because Diana didn't like her and it was causing too much conflict, but when Diana died, it was Tiggy Charles called, asking her to come back and help him with the boys. And she did exactly that for a couple more years until about the time William graduated from high school. Her son was in William's wedding years later.

Despite the tension between her and Princess Diana, I think Diana would have been grateful for the love and support and fun Tiggy gave the boys during terribly sad times.

After a whirlwind day yesterday, apparently the racetrack is all they did today because suddenly it's nighttime and Kate's ditched the kids and gone out on the town with Deanna. Deanna is 40, too? Geez, she acts like she's all of 26 and, like, uh, ya know, a millennial. Coulda fooled me. Seems like by 40 you would have learned how to twirl two streamers together nicely or at least know how to look up how to do it. Why is Deanna acting like by age 40 you're basically invisible as a woman and must retire yourself to the attic to knit and that she's such a strong and powerful feminist she will be able to overcome all this? So dramatic, self-fulfilling, and in my view a pretty inaccurate description of the state of women in the world, unless you're in Hollywood (even then, that's getting better).

They head to Sur Steakhouse, and my first thought was you've got to be kidding me, they're going to Lisa Vanderpump's restaurant, a British woman? But turns out Sur Playa del Carmen isn't associated with Lisa at all and is supposedly owned by locals.

Some interesting truth comes out that Kate actually initially planned this whole trip with just Deanna, no kids. Just like her prank on the kids. Wait, I thought she wouldn't dream of going on this trip without the kids. Heh. In fact that's not true, per her own admission she sure did dream it, and only planned for the kids to come later as an afterthought. More than likely, because production wanted to make an episode. Tool, and liar.

Deanna goes into some meandering diatribe about how she used to think she and Kate needed a man in their life (like, to share, or they each get a man?), then they start trolling the venue for available hunks, and I think Deanna's a terrible role model for Kate's kids and wouldn't want her around any kids at all much less these vulnerable kids who are going to be messed up enough from Kate.

Kate's goals are for the kids to grow up and be best friends with each other. Well, when you ostracize certain ones and call them liars, that's unlikely, Kate.

I cannot imagine eating an entire dinner out with these two dimwits. What a mind-numbing experience. Their stupid conversation consists of dating, being defensive about dating and all their other lame choices that they think were good ones that in fact has left them both single and alone, yammering on about a divorce that was five years ago, patting themselves on the back for what wonderful strong women they are apparently seeing no irony in all the man trolling they did all night, and drinking overpriced fruity drinks with leaves in them. When Kate is with Deanna she forgets she has eight kids? Huh? She would like to forget this? Why? She's unbelievable. I can see enjoying a night out not having to parent eight kids constantly, but to forget you even have them is kind of a weird thought.

Can I say something about being single and alone? I've been there and done that, I did it for a long time well into my thirties, and it was fine, it was something I needed to go through before I could give myself fully to a man and be the best that I could be as a woman. But around about the time I was ready to find my forever relationship and stop with this dating crap, I found it very detrimental to be around other single women. Toxic even, especially when those women were bitter and angry about being alone and single. It would make me bitter and angry, and I knew I'd never find someone in that state of mind. No, I needed to be around women who had found their other half, who knew how to do it and what to look for, and who would be encouraging and give me good advice. I needed role models who were living out what I wanted. I needed women who believed what I wanted was out there. He was. Point being, I think Kate thinks Deanna is a wonderful friend and support to her. But I think Deanna has actually been harmful to Kate, does not give her good advice or encouragement when it comes to relationships, because I realize now Deanna too is forty, single and bitter. You know who would have been better best friends to latch onto all these years during this post-divorce era? Beth and Jodi.

It's Kate's 40th birthday out, Kate calling it one of the most memorable nights in a long time, and it's just her and some dolt of a friend she met not a few years ago who's super bitter and gives bad advice. No family, like sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews, parents. No husband or boyfriend you love, no life-long friends or at least long-term friends, just one co-worker who doesn't even live in the same state. At the end of the day, watching this all is actually quite sad. But as they say, you reap what you sow.

No, TLCgo app, I do not nor will I ever want to watch any show called Dr. Pimple Popper.

They spend forever showing the kids swimming in a giant hamster ball. Then Joel, Aaden, Hannah and Leah go off with Andrea to make cakes in what looks like a kids' baking class place. They never explain why the other kids didn't go but they went to the beach with Kate and Deanna. Weird. You guessed it, boys vs girls competition for best Kate cake. Typical. It's just one birthday for one person, doesn't it make more sense to team up together and make one really great cake for her? Grr.

Later I guess they're having a party with the kids now. In a rare occurrence, Kate compliments both cakes very nicely with specific and sincere comments, and the boys are so proud of themselves, which is sweet. Kate didn't even do anything that makes me want to strangle her like pick a "winner" or something. I'm shocked.

Someone says something about how "Mom" won't want them to eat all this sugar but I can't tell who. Mady, who has a mean streak the size of Texas, says the cakes looked like crap and she couldn't eat them out of self-respect. Where are the adults to make her stop with such cruel and inappropriate comments about her siblings? The cakes were just fine for an 11 year old, but even if they weren't, you don't have to be so nasty. I don't care if she doesn't want to eat it, but there is no reason to be hurtful.

The kids start giving Kate the gifts they bought and Kate is so excited and appreciative until she gets to Collin's bear.

Collin tells her it's supposed to represent himself and Kate, which is adorable, and you can armchair psychology that one pretty easily. In front of Collin, Kate says "Ohhh" as if she doesn't like the gift, and demands to know where the other seven cubs are. Wth? Kate, I doubt Mexico sells a bear figurine with eight bear cubs! She then calls the gift "off the wall" on the couch, which it wasn't at all. No more off the wall than that weirdo turtle container some other kid gave her where the lid is the shell. What are you supposed to put in such a stupid thing? I know many viewers found this segment just downright outrageous, but the editors cut so quickly out of it we're spared Collin's reaction. I hope the little guy wasn't too hurt by all this, but it would be hard not to be. Remember when he found out he scored the bear? "Oh my god, thank you!" I also think when comparing the bear incident to the cruel prank she played on the kids making them think she was leaving them to go to Mexico without them, they are both equally terrible things to say to her children.

The titles of these episodes are usually stupid and uninteresting, but this time I wonder if that "oh" in the Big Four-Oh title was a play on Kate's stupid "ohhh" when she saw Collin's gift. That would be unusually creative of the editors, but who knows.

Kate goes back to being over the top excited over the rest of the children's gifts. Blech.

Kate gives an awkward speech to someone, not sure who, about how she feared her birthday was going to be just another day with the same old same old. Okay, well that's not our problem. If you want a 40th birthday trip to a foreign country, then plan it yourself. Go online to Orbitz and book some flights and hotels. Deanna said she was game for it, and the kids wanted to go. I don't understand why this was TLC's problem or anyone else's problem to figure out. Kate's lucky she got this trip thrown into her lap after being so helpless about the situation. Has anyone read The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, a modern self-help classic? I would almost call it a philosophy book more than anything else, and it's extremely highly regarded. Kate basically violates every single habit all the time, but one of the habits is that you don't just sit around passively letting problems happen to you. You go out there and fix things before they even break. What I'm saying is I have no sympathy for Kate here thinking this birthday was going to be so sad when she could have had something fun planned ages ago. Kate was pathetic and waited for 40 to happen to her, instead of grabbing 40 by the horns and making something great out of it. And I'm highly suspicious the reason she didn't plan anything is she was holding out on TLC to pay, so I also find her trite. (The Seven Habits author also believes strongly in what he calls "abundance mentality," which is what we've talked about so much here, that just because another person is "winning" doesn't mean you're losing, that there is no such thing as a fixed pie or rarely so. Kate disregards that one, too, pretty much constantly, and to her detriment.)

At the end of this all I find it sad that Kate is clearly saying this was the best birthday ever because she got to go on such a fantastic free trip. Sure, fantastic trips are wonderful on birthdays and all don't get me wrong (I went to Italy for my 30th, not for free though), but it is not the trip that makes the birthday, it's doing such an amazing thing with family and friends you love. Even if it's a day trip to the next town, it doesn't matter so much where you go. Kate does not get this, of that I'm sure. She admits she brought the kids along as an afterthought, remember? And now there's just one episode left, another birthday episode this time of the Tups, of the long and painful SEASON THREE of this terrible, terrible show.

660
sediments (sic) from readers:

As per usual Admin, stellar recap. If I didn't already despise Kate, this certainly would have done the trick. You offered some great insight about the kids then and now and that one could see this coming. Bravo. I loved your story about being in your 30's and deciding not to surround yourself with bitter single individuals. So true!! I am going through this currently and had that same realization late last night. So thank you for that gem of a thought to reinforce this truth!

Boya' swim trunks many times are oversized. They seem to prefer them that way. I recently was at a swim birthday party and it looked like the guys were in danger of losing their suits, especially during diving or jumping into the pool. I don't think that any of them lost their bottoms, but gosh, some of those trunks were so big and baggy!

One time at the beach I did see one teenager lose his trunks when a big wave hit him. Now that was funny!

I bet TLC just grabbed a narrator on staff (maybe the guy who narrated Extreme Couponing) and had him narrate the 3-hour special in order to save money. Kate would have demanded a salary for 3 episodes (since it was 3 hours), which is outrageous. Since TLC owns the footage, they could throw some of it together, have the narrator read off a script, and viola! A cheap 3-hour filler and a lead-in to the 40th birthday episode. Ratings were already in a free fall, so they might have thought the 3-hour special would draw old viewers back in.

Flimsy Flamsy mentioned (on the last thread) that Kate bragged about "culturizing" the kids through filming. Who uses a word like that? It's like the time she said it gave her a chance to "travel" the kids. The woman completely lacks the ability to express herself in any meaningful way.

OT, but--in the picture of Tiggy with the princes--I have the same jacket she's wearing! It's the Barbour Double Twist Tweed, and the perfect choice for a hands-on nanny or parent. It's waterproof, warm, and you can wipe mud right off of it. It's something you wear to go out and slosh around in the water or climb muddy hills (things I have done a lot with a house full of boys). It's the opposite of the short-shorts-and-hooker-heals uniform that Kate wore for so long.

I read this recap with a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach, knowing that Kate's reaction to Collin's thoughtfulness was of course going to be included. I haven't seen this episode, but from other posters, know what happened. That poor, poor boy. How can anyone say Kate is a "great mother" after seeing that? She is a beast.

OT, but--in the picture of Tiggy with the princes--I have the same jacket she's wearing! It's the Barbour Double Twist Tweed, and the perfect choice for a hands-on nanny or parent. It's waterproof, warm, and you can wipe mud right off of it. It's something you wear to go out and slosh around in the water or climb muddy hills (things I have done a lot with a house full of boys). It's the opposite of the short-shorts-and-hooker-heals uniform that Kate wore for so long.

__________________Unless there are some really good online discount prices, I don't know about anyone else, but I wouldn't wear a $299.00 jacket to slosh around in the water or mud, even if you can wipe the mud right off it! Can a nanny afford that?

OT --I got a wonderful Jones down lightweight jacket that's so warm it's amazing how anything that lightweight could be warm even on the coldest days. It's machine washable and comes out of the washer looking brand new.

Best thing is that it came with its own small pouch (for packing, hiking) and so comfortable that you can go anywhere in it without bulk. I think it retailed for $250 and I really lucked out when I found it discounted at $54! I love deals like that!

Great recap, Admin. However, don't forget that K8 had IUI, not IVF, to get the tups and, according to G'book, supplemented the doctor's hormone shots with stuff she bought from Canada, thus over-stimulating the egg-production process. The doctor was NOT complicit in that (but he would have to have been were it IVF). I think it's really important to stress that Kate's "plus 6" was not the work of her doctor.

I get offers.com sent to my e-mail and there are great deals on name brand clothing as well as other items. I have got UGG boots, Calvin Klein winter coat, Sperry's Topsiders, Coach bag from there as well as discounts at a number of stores.

Admin (7)My jacket was sent over by a family member in the UK, and I have had it for more than 10 years--and I'm sure I'll wear it for at least 10 more. Still in great shape after a lot of hard wear (kids, dogs, fishing, hiking), and when I get it cleaned it still looks new. I think it shows that Tiggy is someone who is willing to slosh around and get dirty instead of spending hundreds on a pair of hooker heals. You'll never see someone wading in a stream in those! Tiggy was very hands-on and fun and ready for adventure, and William and Harry adored her for that. Ashley seemed like a fun, adventurous nanny, too. Wasn't she the one who taught the kids about stalactites and stalagmites? "Stalactites hold tight to the ceiling, and stalagmites might reach the ceiling", or something like that. It's one of those explanations that sticks with you forever. Sadly, she was the one Kate drove away with her nastiness during the RV trip. I hope she's still a part of the kids' lives.

Oh wow Admin, I got an honourable mention. I feel very special. I do agree she's evil. Great recap. I thought it was really strange at the time that they spent a whole episode on Australia Zoo, and felt it was just a big promotion. It really isn't that big a deal here. If you're staying at the Sunshine Coast, you go to it, but otherwise it's not high on the popularity scale of places to go.

Good recap. Although these godawful shows should never have been filmed, it does give you insight into how the children were in the past. I've never watched Kate plus 8 and don't want to so the recaps are great.

I thought it was really strange at the time that they spent a whole episode on Australia Zoo, and felt it was just a big promotion. It really isn't that big a deal here. If you're staying at the Sunshine Coast, you go to it, but otherwise it's not high on the popularity scale of places to go.

&&&&

I was getting that vibe there. Kind of like they could take it or leave it.

The best part of the zoo was the animal hospital. But it was just this little building off the beaten path. You had to drive to it. They should make THAT the main attraction, and make it all open windows so you can watch them treat the animals. I about died seeing the cutest little baby koala there clinging to a little fake tree, his side all shaved from his surgery. Swoon!

Don't you just want to strangle Kate and her terrible command of the English language? Why is it "ironic" that the show arranged for a trip to Alaska and Alaska is on their wish list of places to go? That's not what irony means! Irony does not mean a coincidence!

"By the time you're in your 40s, [it means] you're old and single, instead of in your 30s and single," Kate said during the special. She also revealed that she literally "grieved" the loss of her 30s. ~~etonline June 23 2015

Thanks for the recap Admin. They're always a pleasure to read because you peel away the layers of that onion Katie Irene.(With apologies to that truly wonderful vegetable). Although it doesn't take too much urging to want to strangle her no matter what she says or does.

Lots of our zoos and animal sanctuaries here have a hospital section. There's a wonderful one on the Gold Coast close to where I live. All the visitors go crazy over the koalas and how cute they are. Which they are, although they can also be stinky scratchy little things. I'd love to see squirrels. We don't have them here and I think they're cute.

Concerned Aussie - I'm wired to your Australian tv shows. I love watching MasterChef Australia, My Kitchen Rules and The Block (which I'm watching as I write). The judges on MCA are so much more compassionate compared to our Canadian and American MC judges.

Trust fund Emily states in her bio that she’s a “starving actor” as she posts pictures on beaches in the Caribbean wearing her Lilly Pulitzer designer clothes. One thing that I find interesting is that TFW no longer follows her. I wonder if they had some kind of falling out.

Concerned Aussie,Sorry your countrymen (and women) had to deal with Kate and her attitude, even if it was just a visit. That was during her most insufferable period, when she believed she was a massive star and complained about people looking at them or taking "unauthorized" pictures. TLC had to cancel her just to give her time for her ego to deflate a bit.

My DH was offered a position in Alice Springs years ago. We considered it for a bit, but had to turn it down. That would have been quite the adventure! I don't know how we would have handled 3+ years in that area, but I'd still like to visit. I hear it's pretty rustic.

Layla - I still think the hop over to New Zealand from Aus was worth the price of the ticket if only to see that guy push her off the Skywalk (Rick?). It was pure karma payback for all the people she's pushed over the edge.

AuntieAnn said... 20Concerned Aussie - I'm wired to your Australian tv shows. I love watching MasterChef Australia, My Kitchen Rules and The Block (which I'm watching as I write). The judges on MCA are so much more compassionate compared to our Canadian and American MC judges.========Wentworth!

All this drama about not thinking she'd get to have a "special birthday" turns my stomach. Dude, you have 8 happy, healthy children (pre-C's issues). It is nothing short of a medical miracle that they lived at all, let alone bear zero physical scars from their challenging gestation and difficult first days and weeks. But she couldn't even be bothered to fake that gratitude afterwards during the couch interview? Like, what better present could I possibly ask for than these amazing kids? If I had a cupcake with a candle in a tent in my backyard, it'd be special enough -- as long as my 8 children were with me. Instead, she went out drinking and enjoying the fantasy that she was childless. Mkay.

Admin, you pointed out that the Wyoming trip seems like the only time you've seen TFW doing something with just her boys. Well, you actually still haven't seen her with just her boys because that trip was TFW, her boys, AND a production crew. A trip scripted by a TV network and paid for by a TV network. For which TFW received a PAYCHECK.

If the boys haven't already seen the light, it'll be a harsh realization for them someday -- for all 8 kids, actually -- when they realize how their mother used them.

Great recap, Admin. It’s as cringeworthy as I tried to forget! But you didn’t mention the good bikini top TFW wore on the beach. It looked like she had two papayas in her top and I specifically remember (or try to forget) how she was running in the beach cabana and hunching over to look at something. I’m no prude, but I was especially embarassed for her sons. She was absolutely vulgar. No surprise there.

AuntieAnn said... 20Concerned Aussie - I'm wired to your Australian tv shows. I love watching MasterChef Australia, My Kitchen Rules and The Block (which I'm watching as I write). The judges on MCA are so much more compassionate compared to our Canadian and American MC judges.

-------

Love The Block. We're addicted in this house, although not sure how I feel about it this year. I didn't know you guys got so many of our shows over there. I've just binge watched Big Little Lies, on Netflix and was devastated when I got to the end of it. Then found out season 2 is coming out soon so I'm ok again. Such an incredibly strong cast of women.

Concerned Aussie,Sorry your countrymen (and women) had to deal with Kate and her attitude, even if it was just a visit.

-------

Haha Layla. Funny thing was, none of us really had it on our radar that she was even here. I doubt most people had heard of her, let alone recognised her, so her visit was pretty much a non event. Not sure where she came up with those "papparazzi" but I'm pretty sure they weren't ours.

how she was running in the beach cabana and hunching over to look at something. I’m no prude, but I was especially embarassed for her sons. She was absolutely vulgar. No surprise there.

&&&

I didn't even notice!!! I remember mostly thinking during that segment how spoiled and uncouth they all were, lounged on all those cabanas ordering food and drinks and slothing around while some of the rest of the kids made Kate's birthday cake.

They were like little princesses on holiday on the island of Mustique, they weren't even trying to hide how much they loved the lap of luxury.

But she couldn't even be bothered to fake that gratitude afterwards during the couch interview?

&&&

The older people get the less they seem to "need" some sort of huge recognition on their birthday whether it's a huge trip or party or whatever. You get older and wiser and more focused on what really matters in life.

I'm really surprised by age 40 she still sees anything else but some "big" thing as a disappointing birthday. I almost feel sorry for her.

That picture of just her and Deanna having that birthday dinner together, there's just no other word for it but sad.

Which they are, although they can also be stinky scratchy little things. I'd love to see squirrels. We don't have them here and I think they're cute.

&&&

Everyone told us don't be fooled by the cute little koalas, they're nasty things and will claw your eyes out.

Squirrels remind me too much of furry rats, blech. Be careful if you ever encounter one because they too will bite and can be rabid. Never feed them. Many college campuses have huge problems with overpopulation of squirrels on campus.

For a couple days we stayed on an island called Daydream Island and that was a whole lot of fun, I would get up early and take photos of the kangaroos playing on the beach. It was a magical country where I found a lot of peace and relaxation.

"By the time you're in your 40s, [it means] you're old and single, instead of in your 30s and single," Kate said during the special

&&&

I was shocked not shocked to find Kate seemed to define this entire milestone around being single/relationships/a potential mate.

Like, yeah, that's a huge and important part of many women's lives, but it's not the ONLY thing to discuss or harp on when you're 40. How about how much wiser you are, how much you've done in 40 years, your kids, family and friends and how far you've come? Your hopes for the next 40?

I loved your story about being in your 30's and deciding not to surround yourself with bitter single individuals. So true!! I am going through this currently and had that same realization late last night. So thank you for that gem of a thought to reinforce this truth!

&&&

Surround yourself with strong, confident, happy, and in love women in positive relationships, and you too will feel the support and encouragement you need to find and feel the same.

And read 7 Habits, there's good stuff in there to make people a good mate.

Admin, sounds as if you spent a lot of your trip around my part of Australia. Daydream Island is gorgeous, as are all the Whitsunday Islands off North Queensland. I'd love to visit them all. I have many happy childhood memories of staying at Caloundra and I know the exact shipwreck you mentioned at Dickey Beach.

Admin (#33), and maybe the saddest part of all is that Deanna is on TFW's payroll. And she scored a free "posh" vacay to play the role of BFF. I bet mediocre ol' Jon has friends who like him for himself, and enjoy spending time with him.

So I'm just saying, that Hart family where the parents killed their adopted kids couple months back? They're releasing new information that when authorities went to the family home they were very taken aback to find almost nothing personal of the children in their respective bedrooms, to the point where they couldn't even say which kids slept where.

Admin (39)I read that story about the Hart family. How can they possibly have 6 kids and no "kid" items in their house? Nothing personal in the kids' rooms...it made me wonder if they staged the house before they left. Supposedly the fridge was well-stocked, but the kids reportedly went to neighbors asking for food. Was it staging or was it the way they lived? Those poor kids! Nothing they could touch or play with. Reminds me of the Turpin kids, who weren't allowed to play with anything (toys were found still in their packaging, untouched) and were starved even though there was food in the house. One story said that the Harts' yard was being searched to see if the 2 missing kids were maybe buried there. A few months ago it was reported that the Turpins' yard in Texas was being searched to see if any kids had died and were buried there. What is wrong with people????

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said... 39So I'm just saying, that Hart family where the parents killed their adopted kids couple months back? They're releasing new information that when authorities went to the family home they were very taken aback to find almost nothing personal of the children in their respective bedrooms, to the point where they couldn't even say which kids slept where.

This is such a tragedy. Remember the photo of the one boy hugging the cop and crying. People assumed it was due to racial conflict and in hindsight it was probably much more.

Oh, and from the article: "Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said... 39So I'm just saying, that Hart family where the parents killed their adopted kids couple months back? They're releasing new information that when authorities went to the family home they were very taken aback to find almost nothing personal of the children in their respective bedrooms, to the point where they couldn't even say which kids slept where.

I'm just saying.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said... 39So I'm just saying, that Hart family where the parents killed their adopted kids couple months back? They're releasing new information that when authorities went to the family home they were very taken aback to find almost nothing personal of the children in their respective bedrooms, to the point where they couldn't even say which kids slept where.

I'm just saying.

"Upon entering the house, it was found to be extremely clean and organized," one detective wrote, "giving a perception of being very sterile."

You have a very one sided view of friendship, not to mention the gross generalization of single women. Friendship should be reciprocal. I guess you got lucky that those happily married women wanted to hang around with a bitter single woman who just wanted to sponge off their happiness and offer nothing in return.

&&&

That is a complete and utter mischaracterization of what I said.

It's common sense. You are what you eat. If you don't want to get drawn into crimes don't hang out with criminals. If you want to not use drugs, it's not a wise idea to hang out with drug addicts. If you don't want to drink or have given up drinking, don't go to bars. If you don't want to be bitter don't hang around bitter people. If you don't want to be negative don't hang around negative people. The list goes on and on.

Being around BITTER single people was not good for me nor is it good for any other single person. Nowhere did I say I never hung out with other single women or that all single women are detrimental to a single woman's mental health. Just the bitter ones did I seek to avoid lest it rub off on me (and I'm happy to say that was the minority of people I encountered). So your tirade is completely off base. In any case, your idea of expanding your horizons by hanging out with bitter people has clearly done ole Kate here no favors. Just checking, she's still single right?

In no way, shape or form did I suggest that being selective about who you are friends with means that you are not a friend who reciprocates the friendship in an equal manner. You invented that fantasy, which is a big clue about who you are that you would even think that's what such a friendship would look like.

You watched an edited television show. They could have discussed a million other things…You don’t know, because you were not part of the actual conversation. What an inane criticism.

&&&7

Ah, the ole proving a negative. They didn't film the whole night so you don't know what happened!

The topic of conversation was exclusively dating throughout the night. From their first drink to dessert. So even if they talked about other things, the conversation was constantly circling back to dating. My point is the same. Go watch it before you have your temper tantrum.

I've not read your comments yet, ladies. I'll check them out now. I miss all of you amazing women, so many years and wisdom. Happy Labor Day weekend, kisses to you. I feel like all of this time and effort here was not for nothing, if you know what I mean. I see H & C today and I still care.

Kristine101 (#47), how nice to see you! Please check back in once you've read the thread. I know you've been on Team Kids as long as most of us have been, and share in our relief that things at long last may be getting better for them.

If TFW was indeed a producer in the capacity she claimed -- remember, she bragged that she knew the best way to present her family on the show -- you'd think she'd have edited that birthday dinner conversation to make herself seems less like a shallow, superficial, man-hungry shrew.

You need to look up the definition of “exclusively.” They could not “circle back” to dating if it were the sole topic of conversation.

$$$

Oh for goodness sake everything is so darn literal to you. I was talking about from what we saw on the show that’s all they talked about. My point stands, if it’s all we saw them talking about all night long even if they could have talked about other things as you contend, they still circled back to their topic of choice: dating.

What a silly thing to nitpick. The weather is still nice in Canada go out and enjoy it but mind the bears.

If TFW was indeed a producer in the capacity she claimed -- remember, she bragged that she knew the best way to present her family on the show -- you'd think she'd have edited that birthday dinner conversation to make herself seems less like a shallow, superficial, man-hungry shrew.

&&&&

Right? Wouldn't you look at that conversation and be like gosh gee, I'm not sure this is the best way to present myself, especially to young impressionable women. I want women to know that there is more to 40 than my relationship status. Could we put in that beautiful conversation we had about the meaning of life and national health care?

Next year will be interesting at the compound. Her two bffs (the twins) will be off to college, and her fav of the 6pack lives with Jon.She’s never mentioned the other 4 much, so who will be her bestie in the future?

The weather is still nice in Canada go out and enjoy it but mind the bears.

))))))))))))))))

OT...speaking of weather. We got hammered yesterday the chief weather dude predicted few scattered showers. We had a flood, with 13 inches in three hours. Roads were closed, boat rescues on the main street in one of the towns, kids stranded a school and couldn't get home because parents and buses couldn't get through to pick them up. I was having lunch at a restaurant when the road flooded. Non-alcoholic place. I should have opted at a bar pub down the road where the Rumspringa was freely flowing!

Lanc Native...53. You were on my local news. They showed a school bus stuck in the flood waters. It looked like it was trying to turn around. Hope everyone is safe.

)))))))))))))))

The reporters were calling it unprecedented. People were stuck on the train for six hours. There were fish flapping around on the roads from a small creek that had turned into a raging river!

There are major repairs to the roads that will take months to repair. Some of the roads where the boat rescues took place are bone dry today. It was bizarre. As far as I know, everyone made it through safely, but lots of clean-up in houses. Swimming pools are overflowing with muddy water. I've never seen anything like it here.

Oldposter (#52), she'll line someone up. Narcs never have a problem finding unsuspecting givers -- er, I mean, friends.*************************So true. I know the person quoted below wasn't talking about Kate, but it fits her narcissistic behavior. How many 'friends' has Kate left behind? Too many to count.

"Right now, he is out trying to make some new friends, because he needs things,” Pardo adds. “You are O.J.’s friend as long as he needs you. When he doesn’t need you anymore, he’ll say, ‘I don’t even know who this guy is . . . ,’ which is what happened to me and many others.”

But isn't it interesting that TFW tries to paint herself as the victim? Wasn't it when St. Tony of the Ballroom finally had it with her(*waves to JoyInVirginia*) and stormed out that she said, "Everyone leaves me?" Well, Schmoopy, if your behavior is so deplorable that people can no longer deal with you, mightn't you have a tiny role in their departure?

Hearing about the new sextuplets show reminded me how TFW was RELIEVED when another woman pregnant with multiples lost her embryos. Not rumor, not hearsay...it was TFW's own words. What a vile human being.

Formerly Duped #63 When you say unusual, you are polite right? All those kids names are absolutely terrible (the family has 3 other kidss with equally horrible-both in spelling and meaning-names). I cannot get over the names whenever this family is mentioned. Why do people do this to their poor kids? Who is going to employ Layke or Rayne over Sarah or Jasmine or Lucas in case there is a tie between candidates when it comes to skill (or even if Layke is technically better) ? One has to wonder how many of these kids will rush and change their names once they hit 18. Trexton, Nevaeh (or you know Nevaeh-Heaven), Jaxsin, Xoeigh(Zoe).... it's getting ridiculous.

Who is going to employ Layke or Rayne over Sarah or Jasmine or Lucas in case there is a tie between candidates when it comes to skill (or even if Layke is technically better)$$$$I’ve done plenty of hiring and never once has a person’s name factored into the decision-making process, That includes hiring people with unusual and downright ugly (imo) names. If you would choose to hire someone with a name you liked better over a more qualified candidate, your priorities are seriously screwed up.

I wouldn't. Plenty employers would. No one has outright spelled it out because it is discrimination. Like it or not, name is part of the package and a misspelled name can be an eyesore. Is it fair? Of course not.

Even leaving that aside, why disrespect your kid so badly by giving him a misspelled name or a misspelled name of an object or something? Why saddle a kid with a sometimes made up name just so you can feel oh so special that your kid has such a "unique" name?

I suppose time will tell but it will be interesting to see how many kids keep their names into adulthood (Vagenna? Baby? Girl? Snow White? Blackin White? Really, you see nothing wrong with humiliating your kid with these names?).

Several years ago I worked with a young man that we all called Harry. I think I always knew that his given name was Harold and he liked the nick name of Harry better. Ok. Both kind of old fashioned names.

I knew him a long time before he told me that his real name was Elkhorn Harold (long last name that began with an H). He hated his real name. He could not figure out why his parents had given him a name that was so easy to turn into high school humor.

A new restaurant/bar has opened here in our town. It is an add on to an historical building. The name of the restaurant is Muck & Fuss. Cute. But, maybe an embarrassing tongue twister after a few beers. I learned that the owner's last name is actually Muckenfuss. I am sure he has been the victim of much "adult" teasing over the years.

This instantly reminded me of something I saw on Oprah years ago... lo and behold, here it is on YouTube. I swear, you can find anything on YouTube these days. Give it a watch and tell me if you don't LOL. That poor man! :)

Lorrie 68, yeah that's kinda funny but I don'tthinkl it's on the same level with the atrocious names from these days. Nonetheless, poor guy. It really sounds like he just learned to laugh at himself with the others as a coping mechanism. Lots of kids do that. They wouldn't need to be in that position if their parents hadn't tried to be unique or funny though. In life, we all struggle with one thing or another, it's only normal in my opinion. This is why I don't understand why all these parents would want to add one more difficult thing for their kids to deal with.

Even leaving that aside, why disrespect your kid so badly by giving him a misspelled name or a misspelled name of an object or something? $$$$$But it’s not misspelled. If your name is Sarah and I spell your name Sara, I have misspelled your name even though Sara is a common spelling. Similarly, if your nme is Rayne and I spell it Rain, I have misspelled your name.$$$$$$

I suppose time will tell but it will be interesting to see how many kids keep their names into adulthood (Vagenna? Baby? Girl? Snow White? Blackin White? Really, you see nothing wrong with humiliating your kid with these names?).$$$$$Yes, I see something wrong with naming your kid Girl, etc., but I would still hire the person which was the only point I made.

You would and I would but many won't. That is my point. Just like most people won't ever truly accept transgender people (for example) they just learn to keep their mouth shut so they don't get called out and discriminate on the down low. Some things cannot be avoided, if your kid is gay or transgender they have to deal with terrible people and that's never going to change. What you can avoid is giving them a terrible name.

Also, Sara is not misspelled. It is a Spanish name and it cannot be compared to Layke which is nothing but an illiterate attempt to sound cool and "youniquee". Layke vs Lake is comparable to Caitlyn vs KVIIIlyn(yes that is the true unfortunate name of a little girl).

In any case, it's ok if we disagree. Thanks for having a civilized discussion.

I actually remember watching That specific episode of Oprah with Harry Pitts and his sister Cherry Pitts. There was also a lady named Chrysanthemum Bloom. Oy! But i never forgot that segment on her show. Lol

All of my kids have "traditional" family names that have been passed down for generations, and DH and I have never regretted giving them those names. And none of our kids have ever complained about their names in any way. Somehow I don't think the same can be said of kids who have overly trendy or off-the-wall names. Life is hard enough without having to live down your own name. Some may disagree, and that's okay, but kids can be mean and anything unusual about a child--even a unique name--can lead to bullying. No kid needs that.

Also people should stay awy from the 'popular' names as this can lead to confusion- like Kayla, Jessica, Jordan, Ethan etc. My son has a name that quite a few kids have- I didn't realize it at the time and love the name. But it led to his almost being given another kid with the same first name's medicine at school and being put on the wrong school bus home. Our neighbors had a baby and also used that name. My son, now in his 20s kept getting the baby's mail and opened a few onesies around his birth as our surnames are similar too!My daughter has an old-fashioned name but now it's becoming slightly popular.

FormerlyDuped (74),Two of my sisters were given names that were "too popular", and that was a mess! One is named Jennifer (during the Jennifer/Jason craze of the 1970s) and 6 of the 10 girls in her class in elementary school were named Jennifer. To keep them straight, they were assigned numbers--Jennifer 1, Jennifer 2, etc. The other sister was one of 5 girls with the same name in her class, and they used their first names and the first letter of their last name. Too much hassle! I definitely took their experiences into account when choosing names for my kids. Naming children is tricky business.

Formerly Duped...74 I hear ya with the names. My oldest daughter was born in Scotland. We gave her a name that was not unusual but was not popular over there. I don't like nicknames and her name has a nickname that I can't stand so her and my youngest daughter are always called by their full names. My oldest daughter's middle name is Leigh and because she was born in Scotland, and I'm of Scottish descent, we gave it the British spelling. Imagine our surprise when we came home with her to the U.S. for a visit and we run into one of my husband's high school classmatesand find out his wife just had a baby girl, born on the same day as our daughter, and they gave her the exact same first and middle name as our daughter. And, they spelled the middle name the same as us. We were floored. We never thought that would happen. She played basketball in college and when she was a senior, a freshman on the team had the exact first and middle name as her. Middle name spelled the same. Didn't think that would happen again.

My kids didn't have unique names but my son had the most common one. My mother, older daughter and I all share the same first name with different middle names. All my life I've used Lynn as my "go to" name unless it's legally required to be my given name, which I readily respond to. It was interesting when DD#1 started dating and the boys would call and ask for her. Those with deeper voices, or didn't identify themselves, got a few questions so I'd know who they were asking for. Makes it easy for me to screen calls and hang up on solicitations (and recordings).

My father came home from WW2 and went to college with veteran's benefits. He attended a small Catholic men's college in northern Indiana. (It finally closed about 3 years ago.) He attended at night while farming and raising a young family.

Out of economic necessity, the college went coed the year that I graduated from high school and my father dearly wanted his first born (albeit a girl) to attend his alma mater.

The first batch of females to attend were not allowed to live on campus but had to find housing in the nearby small town. I was one of twelve pioneer young ladies who enrolled.

12 very Catholic girls. 7 of us had a name that was the variation of Mary. Rosemary, Mary Anne, Marianne, Mary Ann, Mary Pat, Marsha Mary, and Mary Lynn.

LOL! We named our son Keith. Not a common name then and now. We thought it was a good name because there really isn’t a nickname for it and nothing really rhymes with it. We were wrong and never thought that his friends would call him queef!

Kate’s back on Instagram posting about enjoying life and not allowing stress to get to her; shown with some pictures of butterflies. Me thinks she’s upset about something. Maybe she’s depressed that she lost to Jon and the world knows about it. Or maybe there’s something more. Many of her older post, right before kateplus 8 premiering , all of which have had an almost euphoric tone. Everyone one of her sentences would have 5 exclamation points after them. There’s something up. We are now in the fall and her tone is no where near that. She’s been largely missing in action. Not spotted anywhere by anyone. Which makes we wonder if this date show will see the light of day. But wasn’t there a time when Kate wrote nothing but platitudes on her Twitter? Was it after the show cancellation? And even stranger that Milo hasn’t chimed in yet to comfort her queen.

Gigi Be (86)Reminds me of her cryptic message after she was told that K+8 was cancelled in 2011. I can't remember her exact wording but that morning--after she got the call but before it was announced--she tweeted about taking a deep breath and don't panic when things don't go your way, there's a rainbow after every storm+. And after that she and her followers tweeted nonstop platitudes and inspirational quotes. This latest does sound like something is really bothering her. The show? Losing custody? It's something or she wouldn't mention stress. Admiring beautiful people? She doesn't admire anyone but herself, and she doesn't think anyone is beautiful but herself.

RIP, Burt Reynolds! My siblings and I loved Smokey and the Bandit and saw it countless times, laughing ourselves silly every time.

NJGal51 (79),I fell in love with the name Tristan as a child reading All Creatures Great and Small. Lucky for me I married someone who had many generations of relatives with that name so I was able to use it! I still love ACG&S (the books and the show), and it's no accident that the names of 2 of the 3 main characters are now the names of 2 of my sons!

Gigi Be Lots of fans suddenly asking her when the show is coming back. More than on other recent posts. It looks like they also suspect that something is up. And comments asking why so glum, telling her "you got this", talking about family battles. Hmmmm…..

I'll say this much for her...once every five years or so she does snap a half decent photo. So that makes two - this one of the butterfly resting on a leaf and the other was a plant in her kitchen sink.

(I hope the flattery doesn't go to her head, should she happen to read here)

New article up from In Touch. From the article: A source told Life & Style, "Kate is trying to be supportive of the situation, but the truth is, she hates that Hannah chose Jon over her," they said. "The problem is that the kids are getting older and they're starting to ask questions. Some are still Team Mom, but Team Dad is growing. It's a very divided household."

"After 10 years of marriage and eight children, Jon, 41, and Kate, 43, finalized their divorce in 2009. But the former reality TV parents are still duking it out in court. "It's never going to end," the concerned source dished. "Even now, after all these years, Jon's still trying to show the world that Kate's the furthest thing from a great mom.""

Don't you love the way the "concerned" source (Jamie, is that you?) made this all JON's fault? All Kate had to do was fulfill the terms of the original custody agreement (which was done privately, not in front of a judge) they had when they divorced. She NEVER did. Two things have always stood in the way of the kids' best interests: Filming and Kate. Those two things have always been her highest priority. And you're never gonna convince me the children are not well aware of it.

In the meantime, as Katie wallows in pity, Jon posted a nice pic of H and himself cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles. They appear to be at a sports pub, each wearing Eagles t-shirts. He’s warmly embracing her and she has a big smile.

It’s so nice seeing H genuinely happy. No more having to deal with controlling Kate, no more of being treated like a pack, no more being forced to give up your day off of school to film, no more feeling like your opinions and dreams don’t matter, no more of not having a voice to decide what you want for yourself. Enjoy your new life H. I’m sure it’s going to be amazing. Hoping now that the others follow suit.

Formerly Duped (91)Sorry, no Siegfried--that's the only name out of the 3 main characters that we didn't use. My mother recently found a school paper I wrote at age 10--it was about where I saw myself in 20 years. In it, I said I wanted to have 2 children (I ended up with a few more than that!) and that I wanted a son named Tristan. I got that part right! And I got to travel the world (thanks to DH's years in the service). Sadly, I didn't end up being an airline pilot. I was a little girl with big dreams.

NJGal51 (90)Kate deserves to be questioned about the way she treated Jon and the way she has portrayed him to her kids. They are old enough now to make up their own minds and question her behavior (and Jon's). Seeing Hannah happy living with Jon is going to cause them to think about where they want to be. I'm sure their mother has worked hard to convince them that Jon is a terrible father and they'd be happier if they had nothing to do with him. Her days of telling them what to think are ending and she won't take kindly to having free thinkers in her house. I wouldn't be at all surprised if a few more kids jump ship in the future.

That InTouch article is a little too pro-Kate for my taste. Their "source" says that Kate is trying to be supportive of the situation. Supportive? Calling the police, yanking Hannah by the arm so hard that H had to go to the hospital, telling the other kids to shun H...that doesn't sound supportive to me. Neither does suing Jon for getting custody of H. Another quote is that "after all these years, Jon is trying to show the world that Kate is the furthest thing from a great mom". Jon hasn't said much in a long time, but Kate has filed police reports saying that Jon is a drug dealer and that he has an inappropriate relationship with Hannah. Kate has the kids chant, "We will not visit Jon". Kate is the one who has trotted out the twins to say in magazines and on talk shows that they don't see Jon. So WHO is trying to make the other look bad? Kate, obviously.

Hannah said in an IG Live session that she still saw Kate, but when asked if she spent time with her mom, she said no. I think she was being very literal. She still saw Kate--say, at the bus stop--but did not spend time with her. Poor girl--what a mess!

I wonder if K8 posted an ad somewhere for a Milo stand-in. Otherwise, I'm not sure what MK thinks she's doing.

mkbrownlowauthor Wait! Am I a people or a pest? 😊

mkbrownlowauthor@pwhitlow63 I’m pretty sure she meant “Kate is the mother, only Kate can tell her story!”

The first comment is, I am guessing, responding to Kate's picture caption--is she making a joke with "pest" instead of "pets"? And the second has nothing whatever to do with the comment posted by pwhitlow63, who simply said something about her butterfly bushes.

NJGal51 (#90), notice the "source" (*waves to Deanna*) says "TFW hates that H chose Jon over her." She's not heartbroken about not having her precious daughter with her. She's not sad because her children have another sibling departure to cope with. She's angry because she feels she LOST. And -- worst of all -- to her mortal enemy. And this time she doesn't have that handy-dandy "special needs" excuse she was able to hide behind when C disappeared.

Jon posted a picture of himself and Hannah out somewhere to watch the football game tonight. They look happy. I don’t think they’re the least bit concerned about TFW and her morose post. Yes indeed, #LifeIsWhatYouLearnFromIt

"TFW hates that H chose Jon over her." She's not heartbroken about not having her precious daughter with her. She's not sad because her children have another sibling departure to cope with. She's angry because she feels she LOST.

&&&

Bingo. It's Kate versus Jon, it's a point system, and Kate lost a big point that that sucks.

I also believe the source is Deanna and I think she's a dimwit who understands human relationships about as well as Kate does as in not at all.

Here's the thing, Deanna and Kate, should you happen to stop by here. You can go on and on about whoa is me about Hannah forever and forever. But Kate nurtured this me vs him pick a side or get out thing in the first place. Had Kate and Jon said from the very beginning you can see your dad as much as you want and your mom as much as you want and from time to time we'll even do things together, it's all good, no hard feelings where you lay your head at night or keep your stuff or whatever. We're all still a family even if we're a family that has two beds for you. There is no "side" to pick.

KATE nurtured the sides, the competition, the Kramer v. Kramer. And I guess when she did that it never occurred to her that one day the kids who started off on her side might want to dip their toe into the water on the other. And find it mighty warm and inviting.

NJGal51 (79),I fell in love with the name Tristan as a child reading All Creatures Great and Small. Lucky for me I married someone who had many generations of relatives with that name so I was able to use it!

&&&

I also love that name. But for this guy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpwrDEfCESg

Kate's post has a Milo-tone to it. Fishing for sympathy and questions, being vague on the details of what's going on.

I've always found it trite when she complains about being 'stressed" or whatever she's complaining about. She has SOO much and doesn't have to work! What she doesn't have was her fault she lost so she can stop bellyaching.

I just noticed on Cate's Instagram picture of the kids first day at school there's a piece of paper with her hand writing on it in the glass of the front door. How odd that she writes notes everywhere including on her front door.

How much you wanna bet that's directives and reminders to the kids on their way out the door because the nanny usually takes them to the bus while Kate sleeps? Don't forget your lunches, your musical instruments, your homework, make sure you have all your uniform, your shoes are tied, etc etc. We don't even know she took this picture herself, she could have been sleeping.

Given what we've seen on the show she seems like such a nag.

I also noticed the dog bed OUTSIDE on the porch. Those are outside dogs and she can stop lying about how dogs have grown on her blah blah.

"Even now, after all these years, Jon's still trying to show the world that Kate's the furthest thing from a great mom.""

I think it’s referring to how people see his relationship with Hannah and how happy and normal her life is now, plus the fact that he is in Collin’s life too.

Hannah has posts and pics of her living like a normal teen with friends and going out etc.

Kate posts pics of her kids at home all the time. She doesn’t seem to go anywhere or do anything fun outside of the home with them unless it’s filmed.

Jon just showing what a good and living dad he is, makes Kate seem more like the bad mom she actually is just in comparison. He doesn’t have to DO or SAY anything bad specifically about Kate for people to compare them as parents.

Susan1956 said... 108 - I was going to say the same thing! Jon currently has more likes and comments than TFW. I’m guessing the current numbers she’s showing are the true numbers of hits she gets. Look for those numbers to grow dramatically today when she realizes how low they are.

Admin (103)What nicknames crop out of Tristan?***********My son's friends (and family too) call him Tris or sometimes just T. His grandfather (DH's father) sometimes calls him "The Count of Monte Tristo", but of course he's the only one to use that name. It's still my favorite boy's name of all time!

AuntieAnn (89)So...we should be seeing another good photo from her in about 2023:) No pressure, Kate! You have 5 years to get a good one!

Admin (103)Oh, yes, that Tristan! BP was a hottie in that movie. My son was born a couple years after the movie came out, so we were constantly asked whether we named him after Brad Pitt's character. It's interesting that characters with that name (in movies) are all happy-go-lucky, free-spirited men, and my son is very much that way. He's incredibly funny, fun-loving, social, loves to party, sometimes a bit irresponsible--but a lot like the Tristan characters in movies and books. "What's in a name", indeed! He's a keeper.

Good to see Jon and Hannah out having fun. I have to wonder why Kate doesn't do things like that. She never seems to go out an have fun, especially with the kids. Does she still think they'd be mobbed if they went out in public? Or is she horrified by the thought of mingling with "mediocre" people? I can't understand why she lives there. She doesn't seem to enjoy it at all. She claims to be a California girl at heart, says NYC is her second home, questions why she lives in PA--"You see one farm, you've seen them all". Jamie recently posted something (I think on Kate's IG) about them moving somewhere warmer, maybe talking about when their kids are grown. Yet Kate said on an episode that she's never moving, talked about her kids bringing their kids over for parties on the deck, so it sounds like she's planning to stay there. Why, if she's so miserable there? She's missing out on opportunities to have fun with the kids and the locals. That might drive the kids more to Jon--they can go out and have fun with him.

Layla said...She's missing out on opportunities to have fun with the kids and the locals.—————Kate has no desire to do anything with her kids, or the locals, unless she’s getting paid to. Actually, she didn’t even have “fun” with her kids when she was getting paid.

I was just remembering when TFW asked the boys if they'd take care of her when she was old. And it makes me wonder who she might be "grooming" in that house to be her protector and ally -- now that her pet is gone. M and C will probably both be away at college soon, so they won't do. Is it L, or one of the boys? Narcissists have to keep at least one person in their good graces to get their needs met.

Could be L, who was always slightly in H's shadow although she did learn to speak up for herself...the two boys were packing lunches with her and seemed to enjoy their mother's rare company. A. seemed very laid-back at times although feisty at others. I think it's a toss-up

As an aside, I just watched "Spotlight" on Netflix. It is a powerful movie to say the least and quite horrifying.

&&&

I saw it in theaters and was riveted. I immediately wanted it for best picture after seeing it and sure enough it won! It is an important story of journalists getting to the truth, a dying bread of journalists not here for the quick tweet or to get the story first, but to get the story RIGHT, of a massive coverup by a powerful institution, of the severe damage abuse does to children forever and at how important it is to their emotional recovery to bring them justice.

Just when you think there can't possibly be any more horrific tales from the Catholic church you hear about nuns throwing kids out of windows and a report of sexual abuse so prevalent it was a virtual child pedo ring. I just don't even know where we go from here at this point.

One is named Jennifer (during the Jennifer/Jason craze of the 1970s) and 6 of the 10 girls in her class in elementary school were named Jennifer.

&&&&

Oh that Jennifer Jason thing bled right into the late 80's. I had at least 3-4 Jennifers and Jasons in every class. Also for some reason a ton of Sarahs.

My parents picked two old family names for me and then suddenly went trendy with my sister, I think her named soared to number one the next year they picked it. At the time I knew nobody with my names and thought they were a bit old fashioned. But now I see they are real classics, sound professional and timeless. It was a good choice.

I’ve done plenty of hiring and never once has a person’s name factored into the decision-making process, That includes hiring people with unusual and downright ugly (imo) names

&&&

There are numerous studies that prove that in hiring practices and in many other facets of life, things like names (and height, weight, race, gender) all play a huge role in outcomes, even if the role is it only causes a HESITATION on the part of the person you are interacting with. Studies PROVE that taller people get paid more and promoted more. Studies PROVE that people with unusual names or foreign names will struggle. Studies PROVE that being heavyset is a huge detriment to your advancement in life.

You can cross your arms and hold your breath all you want claiming you wouldn't dare judge someone because of any of those things, but people do. The famous sociologist Malcolm Gladwell who is basically the modern patron saint of sociology, collecting together all the studies out there and explaining them, he's half Jamaican. And even HE flunks bias tests. Even when he's sitting there crossing his arms holding his breath saying my goodness I am not bias in any way, how can I be given my diverse background? However when asks to categorize random items and black and white people into black-good and white-bad categories, it takes him much longer than it does when the categories are black-bad and white-good.

Malcolm explains in his book Blink that no matter how much you try, implicit bias is there. Malcolm Gladwell would say that even if you hired the girl named Layyyke as your chief operating officer, he could still prove that you still hesitated for longer time than you would if her name were Amy. Even if you didn't think you did, are sure you weren't influenced one bit by such an odd name. Even if it was a millisecond longer, he would prove it to you with a stopwatch. Read up on implicit bias, it's interesting, and we all have it. No one is immune, even people who think they aren't biased in any way. Everyone flunks the tests they give. Malcolm has some links if you want to try. I just enjoy the self righteous people and social justice warriors who think they are so superior and progressive and then can't pass these tests. Bullshit.

All that said I think it's worse to spell a name in an uncommon way than the name itself. If you use the one or two most popular spellings of an uncommon name you are helping to ensure that uncommon name works for your child. If you're naming the child Lake, then spell it Lake. Everyone will tell you they hate going through life trying to explain an odd spelling. Uncommon names will become common then uncommon then common so it's hard to sit there and say don't name the kid something unusual. At one time Jennifer was unusual.

Since Hannah now lives with Jon and they are in contact with Collin, I was wondering if it's time to alter the banner at the top of the website. Maybe move 2 of the kids' 'heads' off to Jon's side, towards the banner edge? I don't know what's involved in altering the banner, but it seems fitting due to Jon's recent success in gaining custody of Hannah and re-establishing contact for himself and Hannah with Collin.

Since Hannah now lives with Jon and they are in contact with Collin, I was wondering if it's time to alter the banner at the top of the website. Maybe move 2 of the kids' 'heads' off to Jon's side, towards the banner edge? I don't know what's involved in altering the banner, but it seems fitting due to Jon's recent success in gaining custody of Hannah and re-establishing contact for himself and Hannah with Collin.

&&&

A local PA artist and concerned Gosselin kid fan did the banner as a courtesy, emilyarts.com. She was so generous with her work I hate to ask her to take another look but I can certainly at least reach out and let her know current circumstances!

Trisha Yearwood had an escape room episode on her cooking show this morning. She went to a place called Escape Game in Nashville with 4 friends.

Trisha is 12 seasons into her show.She won't blow anyone away with her kitchen skills, but she is warm, charismatic and funny. Oh, and that elusive quality TFW can't fake to save her life: she's LIKABLE.

Apologies to anyone who has a Nevaeh in their life but this was the WORST stupid trendy cute baby name gimmick ever. Circa 2010. You're gonna wake up one morning and be like well that was stupid and now I can't undue it.

Oh that Jennifer Jason thing bled right into the late 80's. I had at least 3-4 Jennifers and Jasons in every class. Also for some reason a ton of Sarahs.————Growing up in the 80s, and being surrounded by Jennifer’s, Jessica’s, and Melissa’s, I stood out like a sore thumb with the name Gabrielle and was teased mercilessly for years. I would often cry to my parents that I was going to legally change my name to Jennifer. I can laugh looking back now because my daughter has several Gabriella’s in her class. And several people have complemented me in recently years how they like my name or have a grandchild/ daughter by that name.

"Right now, he is out trying to make some new friends, because he needs things,” Pardo adds. “You are O.J.’s friend as long as he needs you. When he doesn’t need you anymore, he’ll say, ‘I don’t even know who this guy is . . . ,’ which is what happened to me and many others.”

&&&

OJ is a psychological study. His duplicity is I think the most frightening thing about him. I think he's very smart, and I just don't think Kate is at that level of intelligence.

OJ could wine and dine you and have you along on family vacations to the Caribbean on his dime and pay your rent when you're short and treat you like family. Even at the time of the murder he had that Kato guy mooching around as a houseguest, that was just OJ. Kate's just not capable of that kind of level of human connection that OJ amassed.

Admin (#128), I agree about TFW. All her relationships are transactional: what's in it for her. How else could you explain a person who admitted she dropped her parents from her life because they didn't know how to help her?

FlimsyFlamsy said... 119I was just remembering when TFW asked the boys if they'd take care of her when she was old. And it makes me wonder who she might be "grooming" in that house to be her protector and ally -- ———-Flimsy@ I’ve always thought the same! I often wondered if she’s used the line “ everyone quits on me” don’t leave me like Hannah or fill in blank. Because she’s said a few times now that she sees herself sitting a rocking chair knitting being all alone. I don’t have any doubts that she guilts the boys especially. I think that is the main reason why the twins are “ team mom”. But I highly doubt they’ll stick around for her. They clearly can’t wait to get out of there, especially Cara. The boys are the most “easy going “ of the bunch. It may work for a time, but I think it’s a matter of time before they see through the BS. The advantage they have is they get along well with H. And they might be influenced by her in some way

Do we know if Jon still sees A, L, and J like he used to? The most recent photo on his insta with all 4 kids was the end of 2016

Admin (#128), I agree about TFW. All her relationships are transactional: what's in it for her. How else could you explain a person who admitted she dropped her parents from her life because they didn't know how to help her?

&&&

And see someone like OJ would have NEVER done that. Mom and Dad would always remain around and there for the grandkids, baking everybody cookies, family gatherings on the weekends and family trips and he would take his mother to the Oscars.....followed by everyone saying aww he loves his mom what a nice family.

Growing up in the 80s, and being surrounded by Jennifer’s, Jessica’s, and Melissa’s, I stood out like a sore thumb with the name Gabrielle and was teased mercilessly for years. I would often cry to my parents that I was going to legally change my name to Jennifer.

&&&

I wanted to be a Jamie. All the Jamie's in my class were just so cool. I still think that's a cute name, but prefer it for a boy.

We had no weird names growing up. Everyone played it straight as an arrow. The entire classroom was Jessica, Jennifer, Amy, Sarah, Michael, David, David, David, Chris and Peter. In 1986 you looked to pop stars for girl names and the Bible for boys, apparently.

Gigi Be Said...Both my daughter's were born in the 80's. The oldest is named Melissa but there were only two other girls with that name that she grew up with. And they were called Missy which is a nickname I can't stand. She grew up with a slew of Jessica's, Lindsay's, Sarah's and Katelyn/Caitlin's. My first name is common in Ireland and Scotland but not here.

Read up on implicit bias, it's interesting, and we all have it. No one is immune, even people who think they aren't biased in any way. Everyone flunks the tests they give.

--------

As soon as I saw this, I had to immediately go and take the test. Did the Harvard one and the result said: "Your data suggest an equal automatic association of Men and Women with Attractive and Unattractive".Not completely sure what that means, but it was interesting the way the test is set out.

And a master of manipulation. I was almost sick to my stomach watching his parole hearing for the Vegas robbery. He was absolutely charming and oh so remorseful when he spoke. And they bought it! I thought Bisbee was going to invite him over for supper at her house that night after she told him the commission was voting to grant his parole. It was disgusting. Ugh.

FlimsyFlamsy said... 126... Just finished watching Trisha, which I recorded. What a difference between her escape room experience and TFW’s. No screaming, no name calling, no willing to win at any cost. You could blame it all on the difference between kids and adults doing the room, but TFW was the adult and behaving worse than anyone. And no way could TFW get 4 friends together - she only has 3 on the payroll - Deanna, Jamie and rat claws (if he’s still in the picture).

And a master of manipulation. I was almost sick to my stomach watching his parole hearing for the Vegas robbery. He was absolutely charming and oh so remorseful when he spoke. And they bought it!

&&&

My crime junkie friends and I were watching that thing sort of like you might watch football.

We were picking it apart, yelling at the screen at all his inconsistencies, the numerous times he refused to take responsibility or ownership over anything, the manipulation, the aw shucks who me crap he was pulling. His explanation of what he learned in his classes and how he spent his time was piddly at best.

We could not BELIEVE the parol board was buying his dog and pony show! What an outrage.

JustMissy (#139), and Trisha had no need to make herself the center of attention.

Trisha Yearwood could buy and sell TFW 100 times over, and has a truckload of awards to her name, and does lots of charity work (Jimmy Carter recently praised her efforts for Habitat for Humanity) and is married to music superstar Garth Brooks. And then there's TFW, with her...like I said, she'd have to really work hard to rise up to the level of mediocrity.

Slightly off topic I just watched the finale of Real Housewives of NYC. (My guilty pleasure lol) and there’s a woman named Tinsley who dates a man named Scott and I just realized that it is the Scott from Coupon Cabin who have KG the boot hahaaa!

FlimsyFlamsy said... 126... Just finished watching Trisha, which I recorded. ========I can’t wait to see the hysteria that will ensue with her escape room date! You know it’s going to happen because she’ll thinks it’s cute and adorable. That is if the show ever airs.

Kate had the chance to be a contributing member of coupon cabin. She could have started out writing about the importance of couponing for a large family. Spend a few posts on organizing coupons, show her grocery store haul and brag about how much money she saved, she could spend a few posts on grocery store treands and on the best times to stock up on stuff you will use. These are all topics she can could without including the kids. I would have given her the benefit of the doubt if she talked about grocery shopping with kids.

She did nothing to work on her brand while working there. I think she expected to release a fluff price a few times a year and nothing else.

I blame TLC to some ext.TLC set up her brand and did all the work to grow it. She expects others to do the work kind of work for her without having to them. She feels entitled to get all this help simply because she is Kate.

Andrea (#150), yes, she truly squandered that opportunity with Coupon Cabin. A real couponer would've been tickled to have the chance to share some of her tips and secrets, and collect a paycheck for it.

But worse than that, I think she actually took a step backwards professionally, because of Scott's scathing job performance assessment when they announced her departure. He called it like he saw it: their brand is all about authenticity, and she wasn't a good fit.

Because I am a bitter, blackhearted biddy, I'm gonna pass on the test.

---------

Auntie Ann, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to be initiated into the bitter black hearted busybody club. I think I'm half way there in that I love to trash on poor overworked single mothers who live and breathe for their children, but if I need to go that extra mile and buy a pair of crocs, I'm willing to make the sacrifice.

Find the one where you have to classify people and things into African-American or good and White or bad.

-------

That one sounds easier to understand. When I got the results of the first one, I was like "huh".

Dmasy, the original Bed Seed was so chilling. It haunted me as a child. I loved it,lol.The book was wonderful, as well. Hope the new version of the movie is satisfying- so many remakes let us down.(like Rosemary's Baby, IMO)

Andrea (150)TLC made it all too easy for Kate. She just had to show up and let them film her and she became a star. They encouraged her bad behavior for ratings and made her think she was so special she deserved to have her every whim catered to--without any effort on her part. She has to be a bit bewildered right now. K+8 is history, TLC isn't rushing to air her new dating show, no paps are waiting at the gate to photograph her every move, her favorite child left to live with Jon, and the courts that always favored her finally gave Jon and Hannah a break. She lacks the insight necessary to figure out what she's doing wrong (in fact, she thinks she can do no wrong, so there must be someone else to blame for it all. Like Jon) so she can't change anything. I just wish TLC would dump her once and for all. Her fans claim that we want the kids to be destitute, but that won't happen--they have a mother who is a registered nurse and completely capable of working to support them, and they have college funds already set aside for them. They will be just fine. What I hate is that TLC provides Kate with the funds to try to destroy Jon in court. How many filings has she made in just the last year? She can afford it, thanks to TLC, but Jon can't. If TLC let her go, she wouldn't have the funds to bully people that way. I'm not "jellus" of anything she has. She can keep her house with the ugly paint and nasty curtains and mismatched floors and ratty carpets. She can have her 3 cars, two of which are pretty old and probably need to be replaced soon. Nothing there I want. But I would like it if she had to give Jon a fair chance to be a father to his children.

My biggest concern is that, in a few years, TLC will be funding attacks on the kids. I don't know that Hannah will go so far as to write a book, but I do think she will speak out. She's already beginning to speak her mind and answer questions, and I can see her standing up against the use of children in reality shows someday. She has the unique perspective of being one of those children and can talk about being used as a commodity by TLC/Discovery and by her mother, being used to provide monetary support for her mother, sharing her experience of growing up with a raging, ego-driven narcissist. She can share the truth, not the fairy tale Kate wants people to believe. She sure doesn't seem like a girl who will back down. She already prevailed over Kate when it came to living with Jon--and Kate tried everything, even physical force, to get Hannah back under her control. Hannah may end up being a driving force for children's rights. Kate, of course, will never admit she made the wrong choices. She will (not might, WILL) try to silence any one of the kids who speak against her. I hope it's true, as that recent article stated, that the "team Jon" group in the family is growing. Those will be the kids who grow to recognize the damage that has been done to them and will try to make a difference for other show business kids.

We know that Kate sought out a reality show that would subsequently lead to fame and riches.She had a plan early on. She used everyone. Her own brother, babysitters, parents, neighbors, and yes even Jon. Once she got what she wanted they were ALL tossed to the curb. Her three remains friends Jamie, Deanna, and rat claws are still around because they feed her ego. I think Kate and Skeeve have used each other this whole time. And Skeeve has been riding her coattails because he was hoping for some BIG payout. I think he thought Kate had big star potential and has stuck around this whole time. But now that Kate’s popularity has basically crashed, I think he’ll fly the coup ( if he hasn’t already). And that whole “relationship” has been mostly a business partnership. Earlier on, TLC had the vision of turning Kate into the next mega star. Once TLC got rid of Jon, with Kate’s help, they were ready. They were behind all of the trashing Jon to the media, with Kate’s blessing of course. They painted Kate as the saintly ex wife who was cheated on, and robbed of her money to feed the kids, by her “womanizing”, selfish ex. TLC invested BIG money into Kate and I feel that they’ve allowed her to stick around because maybe they were hoping they could recoup it someway, But as always, Karma has reared it’s ugly head. The hundreds of door that have been open to Kate are all quickly, slamming shut in her face. She’s has had BIG-TIME celebrities eating out of her hands, and trying to get interviews with her. No more! Jon has been gaining popularity. Several hard core Kate fans are beginning to realize and admit that Hannah DOES seem happier with Jon after all. And maybe he isn’t so bad! The kids are growing up. They are forming their own opinions. One left and another may not be to far behind. Although she never cared for him anyways. She’s also loosing her once firm grip she’s had in court all this time. Ahh, To be a fly on her wall to see how she’s taking all of this. One more thing, I watched the interview again with Kate and Natalie Morales .When Kate was asked if the show played a part of her no longer speaking her parents, Kate said “ No, this was before the show”. But Kate basically outs herself, and says one sister still communicates with her and “drops the judgement and says I support YOU”. So it’s my belief that her parents were at least aware of Kate’s intentions for stardom for herself and the kids early on. And maybe tried to talk some sense into her. But as we know, if you’re not with Katie, you’re against her. And then you’re out.

Seriously, how does this woman still have money? She hasn’t had a paycheck (that we know of) in over a year, no interviews or People magazine covers, she’s filing lawsuits, and that property and lifestyle are not cheap to maintain. How much did she make in her hay day and how long can that last? Everything costs more. I really don’t get. This is a sincere question.

It's not as though he had much opportunity, is it? The people on IG who consistently defend K8 about sending C away seem to miss the point: His father has always been an alternative, and if C was "too much" for her to handle (although we don't really know that), Jon should at a minimum have been consulted about what to do. The idea that she could send a child away, apparently permanently, without his father having any idea why or where, or being given the option of taking his son, is just beyond all reason to me. Unforgivable.

JustMissy (162)I also wonder about how she still has money. The "source close to Kate" (AKA Deanna) claimed to the press that Kate's money was running out fast--and that was last December. 9 months later, with private school tuition for 6 (if she pays--that might come out of the kids' trusts), large day-to-day bills, and several legal skirmishes behind her, she's still getting by. Just the last 9 months of expenses and legal bills would be in the 6 figures. So the money was running out fast but she still had a six-figure (or more) sum available. That doesn't sound like it's "running out fast" to me. I guess we caught Deanna in yet another lie. Come to think of it, that was the same story where the source/Deanna said Kate couldn't go back to nursing because she let her license lapse, but someone here checked online and Kate had just renewed it. HA! Deanna's a liar, liar pants on fire! Or she's just so gullible that she believes Kate's lies and passes them on like a good little lackey.

We know (from Robert's book) that the family made almost $2 million in 2008, but that was the only year making that kind of money. That was 10 years ago. It's been 14 months now with no episodes. I don't get it. I'm waiting for the day that she drops all the legal bullying and leaves people (Jon and Hannah) alone. The rest doesn't matter, but using the legal system to bully people really bothers me.

Just the last 9 months of expenses and legal bills would be in the 6 figures. So the money was running out fast but she still had a six-figure (or more) sum available. That doesn't sound like it's "running out fast" to me. I guess we caught Deanna in yet another lie.

&&&

I think it's pretty obvious Kate spins her tall tales to Deanna and whoever else will believe her and Deanna is one of the few who believes her or at least pretends she does. I think a big reason the woman has all of apparently two friends in the world is most people realize pretty quickly she's full of it.

Even her sitting there at her birthday dinner with Deanna, what a pathetic little pity party that was. If Deanna were the real strong and rational and together woman she so boasted she was, she would not put up with a friend sitting there wallowing in her divorce year after year blaming everyone but herself for her singlehood. They would try to shake them out of their stupor or if they couldn't, move on from this blood sucking friendship. I suspect most of Kate's "friends" over the years have quietly moved on, or she's dumped them when she realized they were onto her.

Regarding Kate’s money, I remember reading something on the now defunct website “Through the Grapevine” several yrs back. There was a document posted and It had a list of several trusts owned by Kate( co- owned by Steve). They were under different names/ trust names other their own. As if they were meant to be hidden.I wish I can remember more of the details, but the page is no longer available and it’s been too long . I’m speculating here, but I believe Steve plays a big part in her finances. I think the money is invested well and she could be living very well on the dividends. Kate’s simply not smart enough when it comes to investing and finances.I also believe Kate, with Steve’s help, has gone to great lengths to hide as much money as possible from Jon ( during the divorce proceedings) and even from the kids.And maybe owns an offshore account. I’m sure she is more concerned with securing HER future.———————-Thanks, Layla!

Sad but true (#166), TFW really showed her hand when she practically bragged that C's father didn't know where his son was. She used that knowledge as a cudgel to hurt her ex. Where were C's best interests in that decision?

When TFW said she was dealing with C's issues all aone, it's because she chosen to play victim. That little boy had a living, breathing, loving father who was willing and able to help. But instead he was sent away, possibly never to return home. And once that "stressor" was removed from her house -- remember, out of sight, out of mind -- TFW went along her merry way with puppies and parties and family fun.She is a horrible mother.

Admin (#169), and isn't it revealing that the one friend TFW could scare up for her 40th birthday celebration is on her payroll? Of course a TFW defender might say, oh, that was just for the show -- surely she celebrated before or after with friends and family. If so, wouldn't she have mentioned that on social media -- if only to prove us "haters" wrong?

Imagine that loving, caring people like Beth and Jodi -- who TFW declared loved her family "for all the right reasons" -- were kicked to the curb. But Uncle Hairdresser Ronnie and Aunt Makeup Artist Deanna are still in the picture. Speaks volumes about the transactional nature of TFW's relationships.

Admin (#169), and isn't it revealing that the one friend TFW could scare up for her 40th birthday celebration is on her payroll? Of course a TFW defender might say, oh, that was just for the show -- surely she celebrated before or after with friends and family. If so, wouldn't she have mentioned that on social media -- if only to prove us "haters" wrong?

&&&&

Can you imagine what fun they would have had if she had a true destination 40th birthday? Beth and her kids, Jodi and her kids, family from Jon's side, various friends.

She CHOSE to leave herself with one single friend/employee without kids who isn't even good with kids. And that friend could have come too, but this trip would have been so much more fun for HER family if the group was more diverse. Her choices are her choices and it's up to her, but it affects her kids, their fun and happiness and development.

GigiBe (171),I remember reading about all the different accounts, too. But--8 of those might be the kids' trust accounts. There was a story (from way back, during the divorce) about Jon discovering that Kate had named Steve as the trustee on the kids' trusts and objecting to having Steve as trustee. The story, as I recall, came from Hailey Glassman, and she made notes of a phone argument that Jon and Kate had, and then once she and Jon split she gave the notes to (I think) ROL for a story. There were a lot of details in it, including the fight about Steve being involved with the kids' money, the fact that the house and the van (the old blue one) were included in the kids' trusts, and Jon objecting to Kate's list of monthly expenses. She submitted a listing of monthly expenses to the court to try to get Jon to pay half, and included her hair care, nails, tanning, spa days, and Steve's salary. Jon objected to those and said he wasn't paying half of them as part of his child support (I don't blame him!).

It's hard to say what Kate has. The kids' trusts are revocable, so she can just take their money back if she wants to. She can also use their money to pay for things that are for the "health and welfare" of the kids, That could include about anything--mortgage, utilities, tuition, you name it. It's irritating, though, that there have been sob stories planted in the press for years about how she's poor and struggling, when it's obvious she's not. That's blatant lying...why? She doesn't need to say anything about it. Maybe she's just hoping her fans will feel sorry for her and send her Starbucks gift cards.

I shared awhile ago that my son/DIL are going through fertility issues, and now they're doing IUI. Yikes. What I find interesting is the fact that it took a long time before the doctors decided to try IUI. First, there was the process involved with diagnosing PCOS, and then DIL was treated with hormone injections for months. Next she received some kind of cancer meds (I forgot the name) to help shrink the cysts. Then she was put on birth control to help regulate periods, and then they tried Clomid. All that took more than two years. How did Kate end up with twins less than two years after she started? Someone fast-tracked everything or just skipped some of the steps. TWO doctors just jumped right in with IUI--none of DIL's doctors would even consider it until they had exhausted the other attempts. Anyway--DIL's first cycle resulted in overstimulated ovaries (sound familiar?), so they followed their doctor's orders and waited until the next cycle. Second cycle was unsuccessful. They are going to try one more time, and then try IVF. IVF has lower risk of HOMs and has a higher chance of conception (each IUI cycle only has a 20% chance of success. Each IVF has about a 60% chance of success) but IVF takes more time and is far more expensive. I'm worried that IUI will work too well and DIL will end up pregnant with HOMs. What a roller coaster ride this has been!

Layla, best wishes to your son and DIL. I hope they end up with a healthy pregnancy and birth of a single baby or lower order- is that the term? That is interesting how the process works for most folks.

Latest douchery from former reality star and current law school student Derick Dillard, tweeting in response to a question about TLC's programming: "I encourage others not to watch the filth on TLC."

&&&

He's such a doofus. He should be knee deep in International Shoe Co. v. Washington and Marbury v. Madison right now. Forget the other students and professors destroying him, which they will--but the guy will flunk out before then.

Thanks, Formerly! We're all pretty worried about it. DIL is so tiny, I don't know if she'd make it through a HOM pregnancy. And the risks are so high to mother and babies. I'm hoping they have twins (either IUI or IVF) so they can be done with it all. Otherwise they might end up doing all of this again. DIL was feeling sick and thought she might be pregnant last round of IUI, and was devastated to find out she wasn't. It's just too much, emotionally. Praying for a healthy single or twins at most! But, going through the process, it's highly suspicious to me that Kate was able to forge right ahead and get what she wanted so fast. It seems like someone was being reckless. Why didn't her doctor try the same steps that were done with my DIL? Why skip right to the end point? Something's not right there.

Layla: I am so sorry that your family has had to go through such difficult times! I can very much relate and it’s by far the hardest thing we’ve ever endured. We do have HOMs and I am thankful everyday for our blessings. Best wishes to your family.

I do think that doctors are more conservative with their approach to IUI then they were doing the height of the exploitation of multiples craze and especially after the octuplets.

I have casually followed the Gosselin family over the years because I could relate to some of the struggles in the early episodes. It also makes me so thankful that we never pursued any child exploitation offers.

I feel for the Gosselin kids, especially Collin. It seems like child stars are rarely thankful when their families throw them into the spotlight. I think it more often goes the other way.

It seems like someone was being reckless. Why didn't her doctor try the same steps that were done with my DIL? Why skip right to the end point? Something's not right there.____

IMHO, it seems like going from healthy twins to another pregnancy using IUI, which obviously risked multiples, was way reckless. I don't think I can fault the doctor, who most likely bought a story, but Kate knew what she was doing. She was only 29 when the tups were conceived and her twins were under 4 years old. What was the freaking rush? Never too soon to start making bank, I guess.

Hope your son and DIL will be able to become parents, Layla, regardless of the method.

OT--speaking of making bank, I saw a blurb on a FB news site that the younger Duggar girls have formed a singing group and John David flies them to their concerts. JimBoob and Babykins must not be getting a big enough cut from Counting On.

This is unbelievable!! What is the Utah Parole Board thinking letting one of Elizabeth Smart's kidnappers go?

====

Where, I'd like to know, is this person going to live after she's out of prison? Those two monsters were living in tents and kidnapping and raping children before they were arrested. Are they just going to send her back into the wild so she can hook up with another nutjob and do it all over again?

I am also outraged about Wanda Barzee being released. How can the parole board justify such a decision? Maybe they think she was manipulated, but that does not line up with Elizabeth's story. Wanda was a full participant. Are parole boards getting soft?

FB news site that the younger Duggar girls have formed a singing group and John David flies them to their concerts. JimBoob and Babykins must not be getting a big enough cut from Counting On.—————Yes I actually watched the episode of the younger Duggar girls while they were practicing their singing for this episode. Michelle looked like the typical show mom. She was gobbling up all the attention she was being given. Even though the mom has been appearing in other episodes with the older married kids, she been coming off and more depressed. Even spaced out. But in this episode, she looked truely happy. She loves and misses the limelight. Now that the focus is on the older kids, she seems lost and probably feels like she lost her purpose in life since she can know longer have more babies. And finally, I’ve always thought that Michelle and JB were narcissists. Behind their Christian persona, they live for attention.

I hope Wanda Barzee is released to a group home. They can force her to take her medication and keep an eye on her. She is still following the word of her husband. I had hoped that she could become a decent person but that has not happened.

Regardling DerickDillard, he openly stated that he wants the Duggars moved to the UP network. I guess he approves of UP’s programming. I don’t see this happening. The Bates are the star of UP. I doubt TLC will let the Duggars go.

I am also outraged about Wanda Barzee being released. How can the parole board justify such a decision? Maybe they think she was manipulated, but that does not line up with Elizabeth's story. Wanda was a full participant. Are parole boards getting soft?

&&&&

So I read some more about it this morning, apparently they did THE MATH WRONG. They forgot to count he fed time, so oops, she was gonna get released in 2023, now it's 2018.

That poor girl, she was probably psychologically ready for 2023 but not NOW. I don't know how that woman will do out on the streets, people want her strung up alive.

QwertyMom (181)HOMs are not what we are hoping for, although if it happens, we are all here to pull together and give them as much attention and love as they would get if they were singles, and to make sure DS/DIL have everything they need in order to provide for them. Good for you for staying away from reality TV and giving your children the gift on privacy. Once it has been taken away--without their consent--you can't just give it back. You children will be happier and better-adjusted because you made the choice to let them grow up in a normal environment.

The only way to have multiples wth IUI is if the person is taking clomid during the procedure... IUI has a very low success rate... maybe 15 percent... you have just as much chance getting pregnant in the regular way...it’s the first step before they try other things

Derick Dillard just posted a picture of himself in his law school classroom with...wait for it...his wife Jill. He's barely cracked the spine on his textbooks and already he's showing a lack of respect for not only his classmates and his professor, but for the serious nature of the subject matter. This isn't a class in conversation Italian at the Learning Annex, fool.

Derick Dillard referred to Jill as his "study buddy." Dude, if you think you're going to get academic help from a woman who was educated at her dining room table, surround by more than a dozen unruly siblings, you should just drop out today.

Derick Dillard just posted a picture of himself in his law school classroom with...wait for it...his wife Jill. He's barely cracked the spine on his textbooks and already he's showing a lack of respect for not only his classmates and his professor, but for the serious nature of the subject matter. This isn't a class in conversation Italian at the Learning Annex, fool.

&&&

He's such a doofus! Bringing his wife!

Also she's the worst study buddy ever. Law school is one of those things where there really are only a couple ways to go about it that will result in you getting good to great grades and passing the bar. One is you do the studying almost completely alone and ask your professors or classmates questions if you're ever stuck (about half of us did this including me, study group dissolved into off topics things too much for me and I found them to be a waste if time), the other is you do your studying in "study group" with 4-5 other students IN YOUR CLASSES. Law students, Derrick.

You don't study with some non-law student who has no idea what was said in class or what the homework is!

The only way for the doofus Duggar girl to be of any help to him is to do the work too and that ain't happening. It's not like Spanish class freshman year where your girlfriend can read you flashcards and you answer them. This is the big leagues.

Gosh I'm glad there really wasn't social media back in my law school days. Facebook had just started and people would "poke" you on that site and that's about it.

On a side note...What the hell is going on at CBS?! Sexual harassment run amok with the head honchos.

&&&

Years and years ago, Les Moonves big time screwed over a couple people I know personally. Women. This whole thing feels like big time karma to me. I have not liked the guy since the 90s when he decided it would be fun to play God with a producer's respected and soaring career and flush her down the toilet. She was of no more use to him. I had more or less forgotten about that all these years later but when I heard this the first thing I did was send out some texts!

I have never asked them if anything sexual happened, and I'm not sure I will.

JR (192)Yes, as I said above (176), DIL takes Clomid. The doctor had her start Clomid before they even tried IUI.

To everyone in the hurricane's path, please stay safe! We have some posters in that area--please check in and let us all know how you're doing.

Derrick brought Jill to law school with him? I hope the instructor kicked her out. What's he going to do when he's a practicing lawyer? Bring her to court with him and park her at the table to hold his hand? Is she going to yell "Nike!" whenever an immodestly dressed woman enters the courtroom so all the males know to avert their eyes?

Derrick brought Jill to law school with him? I hope the instructor kicked her out. What's he going to do when he's a practicing lawyer? Bring her to court with him and park her at the table to hold his hand? Is she going to yell "Nike!" whenever an immodestly dressed woman enters the courtroom so all the males know to avert their eyes?

&&&&

A fair number of my classmates were married by law school and we hardly ever saw their spouses! It was so inappropriate!

We would see them at off campus events designated to bring spouses, friends and family and rarely anywhere else.